Could Luis Rengifo Be a Smarter Depth Move for the Mets Than Vidal Bruján?
With Francisco Lindor’s Opening Day status suddenly uncertain, the New York Mets find themselves facing an early test of their infield depth. And while Vidal Bruján has seen a bump in relevance this week, it’s fair to ask: is he really the best option the Mets have?
Even if Lindor is healthy and ready to go come Opening Day, Bruján remains in the mix as a utility option. But let’s be honest-this isn’t a player you build plans around.
He’s a career .199 hitter who brings defensive versatility, sure, but not a whole lot else. His value lies in his ability to play all over the diamond, not in his bat or any standout tool.
And if the Mets aren’t ready to give Ronny Mauricio regular reps to start the season, then Bruján’s path to the roster gets even clearer-if only by default.
Still, it feels like the Mets are leaving the door open. They haven’t made any clear moves to upgrade the bench, and there’s been no indication they’re aggressively pursuing outside help.
But with spring training already underway, there’s still time to make a savvy addition. And that brings us to a name that’s surprisingly still available: Luis Rengifo.
Rengifo Isn’t a Game-Changer, But He’s a Clear Upgrade
Let’s not oversell it-Rengifo isn’t coming off a banner year. His .622 OPS with the Angels last season was a noticeable drop from the low-.700s he’d posted in previous years. But there are still reasons to believe he could be a useful piece, especially in a part-time role.
For one, he’s a switch-hitter with a career .749 OPS against lefties. That gives the Mets a platoon-friendly bat off the bench, something they don’t currently have in abundance.
He also brings positional flexibility-last year alone, he saw time at second base and third base, with previous experience at shortstop and in the outfield. He’s not a Gold Glover, but he’s not a liability either.
And while his baserunning hasn’t been a strength recently, he has graded out well in the past. In other words, he’s not going to hurt you on the basepaths, and he might even steal you a bag or two when needed.
Cost vs. Value: Can the Mets Make It Work?
Here’s the tricky part: money. The Mets are deep into the luxury tax, and every dollar they spend now comes with a hefty surcharge.
Rengifo’s estimated market value is around $10.3 million per year on a two-year deal, according to Spotrac. That’s a steep ask for someone still unsigned as camps open.
But that number feels more like a projection than a reality. At this stage in the offseason, something in the $5-6 million range seems more realistic. And if the market stays quiet, the Mets might even be able to work out a split contract-one that gives Rengifo a shot at the big-league roster but also some flexibility if he doesn’t make the team out of camp.
He still has minor league options left, though he can refuse an assignment. That wrinkle could actually work in the Mets’ favor. If he’s on waivers and gets claimed, it’s probably because another team sees value in him-meaning the Mets’ read wasn’t far off.
A Bench That Makes More Sense
Whether Lindor is in the Opening Day lineup or not, Rengifo fits. He doesn’t need to start every day to bring value.
Picture a bench that includes him, Tyrone Taylor, Luis Torrens, and one of Mark Vientos or Brett Baty (depending on how the outfield shakes out). That’s a group with some pop, some versatility, and more upside than what Bruján alone offers.
And that’s the key here: upside. Bruján feels like a placeholder. Rengifo, even with his flaws, offers more at the plate, similar defensive flexibility, and a track record that suggests he can contribute in a meaningful way-especially in a part-time role.
Yes, he’ll cost more than Bruján’s $850K salary. But if the Mets are serious about building a roster that can withstand the grind of a 162-game season-and the inevitable injuries that come with it-this is the kind of move that makes you better without breaking the bank.
The clock’s ticking, and the Mets have some decisions to make. Rengifo might not be a splashy addition, but he’s a smart one.